They said it would almost certainly provoke a response in Washington.

John tried to question her once more, but found it difficult to provoke a response.

What could have happened to provoke such a response from Kim now?

But none of my actions provoked a response within the system during the second crisis.

"They have engaged in the kind of action that would provoke a response," he said.

The idea is 'to provoke a response where otherwise there would be none'.

The exhibition was popular, he said, and provoked very little negative response.

This provoked an angry response from the Commander on the 29th.

When that didn't provoke a response, she added, "Someone should tell them what's going on, don't you think?"

The massacre provoked a response from both sides in the conflict.